Netflix has officially announced the release date for its highly anticipated documentary on legendary heavy metal band Metallica, titled “Metal Up Your Screen: The Metallica Chronicles.” The groundbreaking docuseries will premiere globally on October 11, 2025, and is set to take fans deep inside the band’s monumental 40-year career.
Described by Netflix as a “visceral, unfiltered, and emotionally charged journey,” the multi-part series promises unprecedented access to Metallica’s personal archives, behind-the-scenes footage, and candid interviews with all four band members — James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo.
A Deep Dive Into Metallica’s Legacy
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ava Thornton, known for her work on music documentaries such as Sonic Shadows and The Wall Remastered, the series charts Metallica’s rise from the underground thrash metal scene in early 1980s Los Angeles to global superstardom. The documentary will explore the band’s seismic cultural impact, turbulent internal struggles, and reinvention through the decades.
“This isn’t just a story about a band,” said Thornton. “It’s a story about survival, creativity, brotherhood, and the cost of greatness. Metallica didn’t just shape heavy metal — they reshaped modern music.”
Never-Before-Seen Footage and Unheard Stories
“Metal Up Your Screen” will span six episodes, each an hour long, and will feature never-before-seen footage from early tours, studio sessions, and intimate moments. Viewers will hear firsthand accounts of the band’s most iconic moments — from the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton, to the making of the Black Album, to their battles with addiction, fame, and each other.
The series also includes interviews with other music legends such as Dave Grohl, Slash, Lady Gaga, Elton John, and Dr. Dre, all of whom offer insights into Metallica’s influence across genres.
Metallica Reflects on the Experience
In a joint statement, Metallica said:
“We’ve opened up parts of our story we’ve never shared before — the good, the bad, and everything in between. This documentary is raw and real. We hope fans — old and new — come away with a deeper understanding of who we are and what we’ve been through.”
Frontman James Hetfield added during a recent interview, “We didn’t want this to be just a celebration. We wanted it to be honest — even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts.”
Fan Hype and Global Premiere
Netflix will host a world premiere screening and live Q&A with the band on October 10, 2025, in San Francisco — the city Metallica has long called home. The event will be streamed live on Netflix’s YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) channels.
Anticipation is already sky-high, with teaser trailers racking up over 50 million views across platforms. Early clips hint at the emotional intensity of the series, including scenes of Hetfield confronting old journals, Lars Ulrich revisiting the band’s early rehearsal spaces, and a powerful segment on their infamous Napster legal battle.
More Than a Band: A Cultural Force
“Metal Up Your Screen” is being positioned not only as a celebration of Metallica’s music, but also as an exploration of their place in pop culture history. From their impact on video games, fashion, film, and politics, the series will explore how Metallica became a global force that transcends music.
With high production values, emotional storytelling, and the weight of Metallica’s legacy behind it, Netflix’s documentary is already being hailed as a landmark moment in music filmmaking.
“Metal Up Your Screen: The Metallica Chronicles” premieres October 11, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
